The Empowered Educator Show | Building Systems That Create Success for School Principals

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In this episode, Mel Vandevort dives into a captivating discussion with Katie Kinder and Dr. Darrin Peppard about their book "Culture First Classrooms" and their extensive experience as education consultants and speakers. The book, originally conceived as a guide to classroom management, evolved into a comprehensive exploration of fostering positive classroom cultures. With insights from 24 educators, Katie and Darrin explore essential topics such as leadership, relationship-building, and effective teaching practices that enhance student engagement and trust. They also share practical strategies for new teachers and insights into transitioning from classroom roles to successful educational consulting careers. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation that promises to empower educators at all career stages!

Key Takeaways:

• Strategies for building a positive classroom culture
• Importance of student engagement and trust-building
• Practical tips for new teachers and those transitioning into consulting roles

Topics Covered:

• Evolution of the book from classroom management to culture-focused
• Insights into effective leadership and inclusive environments
• Strategies for enhancing student engagement and supporting new teachers

Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools

Katie Kinder

Katie Kinder Website

LinkedIn

Dr. Darrin Peppard

Road to Awesome

LinkedIn

Innovative Schools Summit

This episode includes a referral for Upside—a free app that gives you cash back on gas, groceries, and dining. I use it myself and have been saving that extra cash for a vacation. If you want to try it, download Upside and use promo code MELINDA35278 to earn and extra $17 on your first purchase.

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Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

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Before the school year even starts, it’s time to rehearse your leadership mindset. In this episode, I’ll walk you through a simple reflection practice to mentally prepare for the kind of leader you want to be this year. Grab a journal, find a quiet space, and let’s get your mind in tune. 

Theme: Social Recharge + Leadership Circle

Song Connection: Good Day - Forrest

Leadership Book List

Summer Soundtrack Series Companion Guide

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Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

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 The strongest leaders start the school year with relationships already in motion. This episode is all about how to build connection before you even step foot back into the building. From welcome messages to family outreach to community love, you’ll learn how to cultivate trust early—so when it’s time to lead, your people are already with you. Let’s build culture on purpose, not by chance.

Song Connection: "Lean On Me” – Bill Withers  

Leadership Book List

Summer Soundtrack Series Companion Guide

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Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

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You don’t need to do all the things—you just need to grow in one right area. In today’s episode, we’re focusing on how to grow through professional development that actually fuels your next level. Whether it's a micro-course, a virtual summit, or a deep dive into data or equity, summer PD is your chance to sharpen your skills without the pressure. Let’s talk growth that sticks. 

Song Connection: Rise Up – Andra Day

Leadership Book List

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Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

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Before your calendar fills up with other people’s priorities, let’s take a beat to plan with purpose. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to set your leadership rhythm before the year starts—so you're leading, not just reacting. I’ll walk you through what to prioritize, how to make space for what matters, and how to use your planner as a leadership tool. It’s time to lead on purpose, not autopilot.

Song Connection: Time Is On My Side – The Rolling Stones

Leadership Book List

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Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

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Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

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Books can change your mindset, your momentum, and your mission. In today’s episode, I’m inviting you to read with intention—not out of obligation, but as a way to fuel the leader you're becoming. Whether it’s instructional leadership, school culture, or personal mindset, there’s a book that will stretch and strengthen you this summer. Tune in for a powerful 5-minute reset and walk away with an action step to keep your leadership lit.

Song Connection: Read All About It (Pt. III) by Emeli Sandé

Leadership Book List

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Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

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Today’s guest is Samantha Hamilton—an award-winning principal, national education consultant, and the author of Brave On Purpose. With over two decades in education, Samantha is known for leading with heart, turning chaos into culture, and helping school leaders build joyful, resilient communities—without losing themselves in the process.

[email protected]

LinkedIn

Facebook

Brave on Purpose on Amazon

Support the show

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Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

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Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

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Main Message (2–3 min):
Grab your top three tasks for this week and ask:

1. Does this drive instructional excellence?
2. Does this build a stronger school culture?
3. Does this empower or develop someone on my team?

Delegate-Delay-Delete

“I Will” Statement:

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Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

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Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

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🎧  Stepping into the principalship at the school where you already serve as an assistant principal? That internal interview process can feel personal, political, and pressure-packed. In this episode, Dr. Mel coaches you through how to confidently prepare for that high-stakes moment—especially when your interview panel knows you well.

You’ll learn:

• The mindset shift that changes everything when interviewing internally
• The four core areas to anchor your leadership vision: school vision, equity & culture, instructional leadership, and internal dynamics
• How to answer the tough questions with clarity and confidence
• Three powerful practice questions to help you stand out and show you're already leading

Whether your interview is days away or still on the horizon, this episode will help you step into your next level with purpose, preparation, and poise.

Support the show

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Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

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Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Main Message (2–3 min):
Use these last few weeks to:
✅ Celebrate the wins—no matter how small. Growth happened.
✅ Gather reflections—from your team, your students, and yourself. What worked? What didn’t?
✅ Set your foundation—don’t wait until August. Anchor one or two key priorities for next year now so your team has clarity over the summer. 

“I Will” Statement:

Support the show

Loaded Tea Shop

Million Podcasts List

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]